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Self Esteem and Insecurity.
General | Posted 15 years agoYeah, this is probably going to be a pile of drivel so move along if you don't want to read it.
Last night, for whatever reason, I started dwelling on the fact that I'm terribly insecure. Not about everything and not in the normal "I care what EVERYONE thinks of me" though.
In truth I couldn't give an atom what most people think of me, only the people I love. They're the ones I just want approval from, the ones I want to be proud of me and make happy.
Because of that fact, even small jokes at my expense cut like millions of tiny daggers. Teasing about this, that, or the other thing I try to do makes me just want to go away and hide. It's to a point where I'm basically afraid to do things because of what may be said, even as a joke.
I guess last night the scope of it just hit me. I love to sing, love to make music, love to do a lot of things but I just can't do it around friends or family because I fear the snide remarks and teasing that always seems to result.
It's even starting to affect other aspects. I feel more need to be recognized at work, to not be treated as though my ideas and concerns are inadequate, if only to feel as though I'm at least doing SOMETHING right in my life.
It just seems lately like nothing I do is quite good enough for anyone, least of all the ones I need so desperately to tell me it is.
Hopefully this too shall pass and I won't feel quite so sensitive about it. Eventually I suppose.
Last night, for whatever reason, I started dwelling on the fact that I'm terribly insecure. Not about everything and not in the normal "I care what EVERYONE thinks of me" though.
In truth I couldn't give an atom what most people think of me, only the people I love. They're the ones I just want approval from, the ones I want to be proud of me and make happy.
Because of that fact, even small jokes at my expense cut like millions of tiny daggers. Teasing about this, that, or the other thing I try to do makes me just want to go away and hide. It's to a point where I'm basically afraid to do things because of what may be said, even as a joke.
I guess last night the scope of it just hit me. I love to sing, love to make music, love to do a lot of things but I just can't do it around friends or family because I fear the snide remarks and teasing that always seems to result.
It's even starting to affect other aspects. I feel more need to be recognized at work, to not be treated as though my ideas and concerns are inadequate, if only to feel as though I'm at least doing SOMETHING right in my life.
It just seems lately like nothing I do is quite good enough for anyone, least of all the ones I need so desperately to tell me it is.
Hopefully this too shall pass and I won't feel quite so sensitive about it. Eventually I suppose.
Cars and stuffs
General | Posted 15 years agoSo, as some of you may know, there's currently a class action suit against Hyundai which is intended to make them reimburse owners for any clutch work done to their cars due to faulty blah blah blah.
What this means for me is that I get 75% of the money I spent on replacing my clutch 2-3 years ago (which comes to about $744). With that money, I'll be re-replacing the clutch and flywheel with much better ones.
The flywheel is going from the 22lb stock behemoth to the 9.5lb Fidanza Aluminum flywheel. The added benefit to this is that if the friction surface starts wearing out, I can just replace that for $50+labor instead of getting a whole new flywheel or getting it resurfaced.
As for the clutch, I'll be going from the OEM clutch/pressure plate to an ACT Street clutch made to hold up to about 70% more torque than stock (which slips as it is with no real mods).
The flywheel alone should gain me a decent chunk of HP at the wheels by weighing about 57% less, and the clutch will mean I can get on the gas instead of slipping at half throttle.
The prices I've found so far put the total install (including labor by a friend of my mate and his family) around $1k, which means once that settlement check comes back I'll only be paying about $256 out of pocket.
In unrelated news, I need to start working out or something (yeah, again). Also, that new Alien Swarm game that's free on Steam is pretty fun :P
What this means for me is that I get 75% of the money I spent on replacing my clutch 2-3 years ago (which comes to about $744). With that money, I'll be re-replacing the clutch and flywheel with much better ones.
The flywheel is going from the 22lb stock behemoth to the 9.5lb Fidanza Aluminum flywheel. The added benefit to this is that if the friction surface starts wearing out, I can just replace that for $50+labor instead of getting a whole new flywheel or getting it resurfaced.
As for the clutch, I'll be going from the OEM clutch/pressure plate to an ACT Street clutch made to hold up to about 70% more torque than stock (which slips as it is with no real mods).
The flywheel alone should gain me a decent chunk of HP at the wheels by weighing about 57% less, and the clutch will mean I can get on the gas instead of slipping at half throttle.
The prices I've found so far put the total install (including labor by a friend of my mate and his family) around $1k, which means once that settlement check comes back I'll only be paying about $256 out of pocket.
In unrelated news, I need to start working out or something (yeah, again). Also, that new Alien Swarm game that's free on Steam is pretty fun :P
hmmmm
General | Posted 15 years agoInteresting day so far.
Out of the blue Newegg sends me a $10 off any purchase coupon for having been 'gone so long'.
My records that I needed for the Class Action suit on my car came, I'll be getting ~$744 back from that.
And I got into the StarCraft 2 beta apparently :P
Out of the blue Newegg sends me a $10 off any purchase coupon for having been 'gone so long'.
My records that I needed for the Class Action suit on my car came, I'll be getting ~$744 back from that.
And I got into the StarCraft 2 beta apparently :P
New game, scalies (and those that like them) might enjoy
General | Posted 15 years agohttp://bit.ly/9472vX
Check out about 1:11 for a decent close-up of why I say that.
Appears to be a hack/slash rpg type thing. I has no sound here. I may look into it more, not sure if it's single or co-op type play at the moment (suspect single with party AI)
Check out about 1:11 for a decent close-up of why I say that.
Appears to be a hack/slash rpg type thing. I has no sound here. I may look into it more, not sure if it's single or co-op type play at the moment (suspect single with party AI)
Suit Maker researching
General | Posted 15 years agoSo, I've decided that, come hell or high water I'm getting a suit within the next year.
I've been poking through all the suit makers' galleries I could get my paws on and narrowed down my choices to 4 so far:
http://www.furrhappens.com
http://www.onefurall.com/
http://lacy.timduru.org/
http://www.b3mascots.com/
I may start asking for quotes soon but I wanted to know if anyone had any good/bad comments on these four and/or suggestions for any I should check and might have missed (I looked through all the North American makers on this list)
I've been poking through all the suit makers' galleries I could get my paws on and narrowed down my choices to 4 so far:
http://www.furrhappens.com
http://www.onefurall.com/
http://lacy.timduru.org/
http://www.b3mascots.com/
I may start asking for quotes soon but I wanted to know if anyone had any good/bad comments on these four and/or suggestions for any I should check and might have missed (I looked through all the North American makers on this list)
AC Parade Pic
General | Posted 15 years agohttp://www.dragonscales.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=40&pid=18470
^
The pic of all the suits from the AC2010 parade.
713 suits.
I'm in there in Darkwulf's suit... somewhere. Hard to spot though :P
^
The pic of all the suits from the AC2010 parade.
713 suits.
I'm in there in Darkwulf's suit... somewhere. Hard to spot though :P
Battle.net RealID friends list
General | Posted 15 years agoSo, as those of you that play WoW probably know, they've put in the new friends system for Blizzard games.
By adding someone via their Battle.net email you can see when/what/where they're on and talk to them regardless of faction, realm or even game.
If anyone wants to add me, send me a note and I'll let you know my email ^_^
By adding someone via their Battle.net email you can see when/what/where they're on and talk to them regardless of faction, realm or even game.
If anyone wants to add me, send me a note and I'll let you know my email ^_^
AC Vids
General | Posted 15 years agoSo I handed off my phone to my mate who proceded to take about 30 videos during the dances at AC.
Several of me raving in suit, some of another suiter doing the same, many of the stage/random crowd.
They can all be found here.
I apologize now for how dark they are, it doesn't do low light very well it seems.
Several of me raving in suit, some of another suiter doing the same, many of the stage/random crowd.
They can all be found here.
I apologize now for how dark they are, it doesn't do low light very well it seems.
Obligatory post-con post.
General | Posted 15 years agoSo, finally home from AC. In a word: WOW! :P
There were good parts and meh parts, of course. Most of the meh was to do with traveling though.
Starting from the top:
Flew SLC to Houston, no prob, had about 40-50 minutes to get from Terminal B to E, usually not that big a deal BUT the faster above-ground tram was broken.
For those that have never had the... "joy" of flying through Houston I'll explain why this was a problem.
Houston's airport consists of four separate buildings, linked only by the above ground tram within the security cordon and an aging below-ground tram/walkway outside of the security cordon.
Since the above-ground was broken we had to run out of security, wait on the slow ass old tram, get back through security and run to our gate. Which we got to as our plane pulled away. >_>
After talking to an agent for 10 minutes and getting nothing but "the next flight for both would be friday evening" another couple walked up to the the other agent on duty and within 30 seconds he found a route through Newark, NJ that would get them in Pitt by 8am Thursday. Which we promptly demanded we be given as well.
So, we flew to Newark, and sat in that airport from 1:30 to 6:30 AM, then on to Pitt and the con.
Luckily we were able to check in early (around noonish). Relaxed for a few, then hit the bar. I had intended to have ONE drink (a screwdriver). Then my mate orders a Black Orchid which he drinks half of and insists I finish off. THEN he orders me a martini and himself a tequila sunrise. Bear in mind I haven't had much to drink for the past 8 months. I remember walking across the lobby and a towards the room, but that's about it. Slept it off and went to the dance that night and had a blast.
Friday we mingled and perused the dealer's room. I got a badge by an artist named Hibbary, my mate got another one by Kitsumi. We hung out with friends then eventually went to the dance in my mate's suit.
Saturday was much like Friday. I wound up doing the fursuit parade in his suit since he insisted I should. Was a lot of fun. More hanging out and of course, the Sat dance . Where I got asked by this guy to help him do a poi/string panel in the future :P
Sunday was a fairly lazy day, with many furs heading out already and the con winding down, PCD started setting in. Went to a sort of unofficial dance called the Dead Dog Dance for a bit before hanging out with a good friend (TOS).
Monday was checkout and waiting around for 2 hours for our shuttle to the airport.... then waiting more for the flight to Houston. Which got delayed for an hour. Luckily our flight out of Houston got delayed as well (and was two gates down from our arrival gate) so we made it through.
The fun part of our trip home though? 2 the ranting Gryphon sat in the row in front of us from Pitt to Houston, and me him and the mate all chatted most of the flight. We were planning on getting a hotel room and hitting the bar if we missed both our flights. As it happened he did but we didn't.
Anyways, got home around 12.30 last night, puppy was happy to see us, AC is still broken because of some mix up with the landlord apparently (should be fixed tomorrow). Now I'm back at work >_>
There were good parts and meh parts, of course. Most of the meh was to do with traveling though.
Starting from the top:
Flew SLC to Houston, no prob, had about 40-50 minutes to get from Terminal B to E, usually not that big a deal BUT the faster above-ground tram was broken.
For those that have never had the... "joy" of flying through Houston I'll explain why this was a problem.
Houston's airport consists of four separate buildings, linked only by the above ground tram within the security cordon and an aging below-ground tram/walkway outside of the security cordon.
Since the above-ground was broken we had to run out of security, wait on the slow ass old tram, get back through security and run to our gate. Which we got to as our plane pulled away. >_>
After talking to an agent for 10 minutes and getting nothing but "the next flight for both would be friday evening" another couple walked up to the the other agent on duty and within 30 seconds he found a route through Newark, NJ that would get them in Pitt by 8am Thursday. Which we promptly demanded we be given as well.
So, we flew to Newark, and sat in that airport from 1:30 to 6:30 AM, then on to Pitt and the con.
Luckily we were able to check in early (around noonish). Relaxed for a few, then hit the bar. I had intended to have ONE drink (a screwdriver). Then my mate orders a Black Orchid which he drinks half of and insists I finish off. THEN he orders me a martini and himself a tequila sunrise. Bear in mind I haven't had much to drink for the past 8 months. I remember walking across the lobby and a towards the room, but that's about it. Slept it off and went to the dance that night and had a blast.
Friday we mingled and perused the dealer's room. I got a badge by an artist named Hibbary, my mate got another one by Kitsumi. We hung out with friends then eventually went to the dance in my mate's suit.
Saturday was much like Friday. I wound up doing the fursuit parade in his suit since he insisted I should. Was a lot of fun. More hanging out and of course, the Sat dance . Where I got asked by this guy to help him do a poi/string panel in the future :P
Sunday was a fairly lazy day, with many furs heading out already and the con winding down, PCD started setting in. Went to a sort of unofficial dance called the Dead Dog Dance for a bit before hanging out with a good friend (TOS).
Monday was checkout and waiting around for 2 hours for our shuttle to the airport.... then waiting more for the flight to Houston. Which got delayed for an hour. Luckily our flight out of Houston got delayed as well (and was two gates down from our arrival gate) so we made it through.
The fun part of our trip home though? 2 the ranting Gryphon sat in the row in front of us from Pitt to Houston, and me him and the mate all chatted most of the flight. We were planning on getting a hotel room and hitting the bar if we missed both our flights. As it happened he did but we didn't.
Anyways, got home around 12.30 last night, puppy was happy to see us, AC is still broken because of some mix up with the landlord apparently (should be fixed tomorrow). Now I'm back at work >_>
DO WANT
General | Posted 15 years agoAC times coming soon
General | Posted 15 years agoYup, next week as it happens. Of course anyone going knows that fully I'm sure.
Anyways, we arrive in the Pitt on wed night but are driving to our friend's place for that night. Thursday we'll be getting to the Westin and checking in for the duration.
Those of you with my phone number feel free to call/txt me during the con if you want to find me. Those that don't have it, message me here or on any IM and I'll give it to ya.
Gonna be a fun time, can't wait to see some friends I haven't seen in forever.
Anyways, we arrive in the Pitt on wed night but are driving to our friend's place for that night. Thursday we'll be getting to the Westin and checking in for the duration.
Those of you with my phone number feel free to call/txt me during the con if you want to find me. Those that don't have it, message me here or on any IM and I'll give it to ya.
Gonna be a fun time, can't wait to see some friends I haven't seen in forever.
Walks, Roses, and Protesters
General | Posted 15 years agoAs some of you know, I'm the one that walks the dog most days. Not so much because she has no other place to do her thing as that it's some time to relax and is decent exercise (something I really need more of >_> ).
I recently changed my route some to take it from just under a mile to about 1.5 miles (then yesterday to do 2.1). In doing so I now walk past a Planned Parenthood and Pregnancy Resource Center. The other day, last week sometime, as I was walking I saw a guy outside one of them, with a camp chair and a couple signs. The one sign I saw him pick up said: "The PILL KILLS!".
Now. I'm no biologist or doctor, but I think I know enough about the mechanisms of procreation to basically want to punch this person in the face for his ignorance. I was seriously tempted to go ask him if he would claim the same of condoms. Pro-life is one thing, saying aborting a fertilized egg is immoral makes actual sense with certain arguments. Implying that preventing eggs from being fertilized in the first place is also immoral is simply stupid though.
By that logic, a woman should never go a full month without either being or becoming pregnant. That sounds like a good idea when we're already facing a global population problem right?
If he's trying to say that the Pill puts women's lives in danger, he needs a better slogan. Either way he needs to learn some facts I think.
Now, on a much less ranty note: Roses.
There must be a dozen or two houses along my walk with large rose bushes lining the sidewalks and in bloom. Some of them make the stuff you find from florists look pathetic. I mean, a lot of the roses are the size of my open paw. And pretty. I may take some pictures while I'm out today. I'm so tempted to snip a few here and there but I don't want to be rude.
Hopefully my phone's camera won't mangle the pics too badly.
I recently changed my route some to take it from just under a mile to about 1.5 miles (then yesterday to do 2.1). In doing so I now walk past a Planned Parenthood and Pregnancy Resource Center. The other day, last week sometime, as I was walking I saw a guy outside one of them, with a camp chair and a couple signs. The one sign I saw him pick up said: "The PILL KILLS!".
Now. I'm no biologist or doctor, but I think I know enough about the mechanisms of procreation to basically want to punch this person in the face for his ignorance. I was seriously tempted to go ask him if he would claim the same of condoms. Pro-life is one thing, saying aborting a fertilized egg is immoral makes actual sense with certain arguments. Implying that preventing eggs from being fertilized in the first place is also immoral is simply stupid though.
By that logic, a woman should never go a full month without either being or becoming pregnant. That sounds like a good idea when we're already facing a global population problem right?
If he's trying to say that the Pill puts women's lives in danger, he needs a better slogan. Either way he needs to learn some facts I think.
Now, on a much less ranty note: Roses.
There must be a dozen or two houses along my walk with large rose bushes lining the sidewalks and in bloom. Some of them make the stuff you find from florists look pathetic. I mean, a lot of the roses are the size of my open paw. And pretty. I may take some pictures while I'm out today. I'm so tempted to snip a few here and there but I don't want to be rude.
Hopefully my phone's camera won't mangle the pics too badly.
The reason I have no faith in the Masses.
General | Posted 15 years agohttp://www.guardian.co.uk/media/pda.....e-maps-lawsuit
Seriously?
What part of a dark road with bright headlights zooming towards you looks like a good time/place to cross? No matter what your directions say.
I swear if I find out this lawsuit goes through and she wins, I'm going to have an aneurysm or something.
This is actually worse than the "I didn't know your coffee would be HOT!" lawsuit.
Hopefully the judge takes a look at this and throws the stupid bimbo out the door.
Seriously?
What part of a dark road with bright headlights zooming towards you looks like a good time/place to cross? No matter what your directions say.
I swear if I find out this lawsuit goes through and she wins, I'm going to have an aneurysm or something.
This is actually worse than the "I didn't know your coffee would be HOT!" lawsuit.
Hopefully the judge takes a look at this and throws the stupid bimbo out the door.
AC Wed. Night
General | Posted 15 years agoSo, I finally got flights booked for me and the mate for AC next month.
My room's ready to go and it's just a matter of setting aside the last bits of cash from the next two paychecks.
BUT, there's one little snag. Since I had to wait so late to get my tickets the only flights available for us land us in Pittsburgh around 11pm Wed night. And my room's check-in isn't until Thursday.
So right now our options are to rent a car for a day to drive up to our friend's place in Clarion (about 77 miles out of Pitt.) OR hope someone I know there can lend us a little crash/storage space for a few hours wed night.
If anyone falls into that second category lemme know ^_^
My room's ready to go and it's just a matter of setting aside the last bits of cash from the next two paychecks.
BUT, there's one little snag. Since I had to wait so late to get my tickets the only flights available for us land us in Pittsburgh around 11pm Wed night. And my room's check-in isn't until Thursday.
So right now our options are to rent a car for a day to drive up to our friend's place in Clarion (about 77 miles out of Pitt.) OR hope someone I know there can lend us a little crash/storage space for a few hours wed night.
If anyone falls into that second category lemme know ^_^
Puppy Play time :P
General | Posted 15 years agoWas out back with the pup waiting on my mate to get home and she was being playful so I took a video of her:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gjv81J_8irg
Quality is meh (phone) but she's got a soft-ball-sized tennis ball she loves to play with. She'll toss it around and chase it on her own once she get's going ^_^
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gjv81J_8irg
Quality is meh (phone) but she's got a soft-ball-sized tennis ball she loves to play with. She'll toss it around and chase it on her own once she get's going ^_^
Ugh
General | Posted 16 years agoSo, apparently my car has decided to spring a spontaneous fuel leak somewhere in the engine compartment. Bad enough that it blows in when you turn the heat/ac on.
Hopefully I can get it looked at quickly.
*edit* Just got back from the shop, right before we went there we took a look under the hood in daylight and saw that one of the fuel lines seemed to have a couple of pin-holes in it. Spraying fuel all over. Buddy at the shop replaced it real quick for me for $10.
One crisis averted at least.
Hopefully I can get it looked at quickly.
*edit* Just got back from the shop, right before we went there we took a look under the hood in daylight and saw that one of the fuel lines seemed to have a couple of pin-holes in it. Spraying fuel all over. Buddy at the shop replaced it real quick for me for $10.
One crisis averted at least.
Interesting weekend
General | Posted 16 years agoSo, this past weekend was interesting.
My parents, on their way back to VA from Cali stopped over for a few days here for the first time, which meant me playing tour guide basically.
But it wasn't too bad. They got in Thursday afternoon and I had them meet me at my work for a quick tour. Later that night they came over to my place to see where I live, meet my animals then go to dinner.
Friday around noonish I took them up to the capital building then we just kinda drove around. Went out to the state marina so they can say they've seen the Great Salt Lake.
Saturday's when we actually did something fun. We looked around at what was happening and found out there was a dog sled race up in Park City (about 20-30 minutes from downtown SLC). So, we went up there. Lots of cute pups around. Each team was a little different in the size of the dogs and the number.
It was a "stage stop" race, and this was the last stage I think. Once a team was ready to go they lined up and went along at certain intervals.
Some of the dogs, this one in particular seemed really well behaved.... until his team mates start getting hooked up.
Park City is also where a lot of the facilities for the 2002 Winter Olympics were situated. As it happened, several Olympic teams were in town using said facilities to practice for this year. The entire complex is open to the public now so we got to go up and see a couple of sleds make a run down the track. The only way I could get a still image of a sled was to go over to the uphill section where they coast to a stop.
It was a fun weekend. I saw two things I'm not sure I'd have ever had a chance to see otherwise, at least not without a lot more money and effort.
And now, it's back to the same old grind.
OH, btw, I got my cold air intake installed Thursday, after a bit of confusion. It's actually made a noticeable difference in the car's sound and pick-up, I approve :P
My parents, on their way back to VA from Cali stopped over for a few days here for the first time, which meant me playing tour guide basically.
But it wasn't too bad. They got in Thursday afternoon and I had them meet me at my work for a quick tour. Later that night they came over to my place to see where I live, meet my animals then go to dinner.
Friday around noonish I took them up to the capital building then we just kinda drove around. Went out to the state marina so they can say they've seen the Great Salt Lake.
Saturday's when we actually did something fun. We looked around at what was happening and found out there was a dog sled race up in Park City (about 20-30 minutes from downtown SLC). So, we went up there. Lots of cute pups around. Each team was a little different in the size of the dogs and the number.
It was a "stage stop" race, and this was the last stage I think. Once a team was ready to go they lined up and went along at certain intervals.
Some of the dogs, this one in particular seemed really well behaved.... until his team mates start getting hooked up.
Park City is also where a lot of the facilities for the 2002 Winter Olympics were situated. As it happened, several Olympic teams were in town using said facilities to practice for this year. The entire complex is open to the public now so we got to go up and see a couple of sleds make a run down the track. The only way I could get a still image of a sled was to go over to the uphill section where they coast to a stop.
It was a fun weekend. I saw two things I'm not sure I'd have ever had a chance to see otherwise, at least not without a lot more money and effort.
And now, it's back to the same old grind.
OH, btw, I got my cold air intake installed Thursday, after a bit of confusion. It's actually made a noticeable difference in the car's sound and pick-up, I approve :P
AC 2010
General | Posted 16 years agoI've officially got my room reserved, do you?
Looks like it'll actually be a cheaper stay than FC would have been had we gone.
Whether or not the cost of traveling will be the same or more I have no idea (gas+driving time vs. flight).
Either way, I'm excited. Been years now since I went to AC.
Looks like it'll actually be a cheaper stay than FC would have been had we gone.
Whether or not the cost of traveling will be the same or more I have no idea (gas+driving time vs. flight).
Either way, I'm excited. Been years now since I went to AC.
Steam ID and MW2
General | Posted 16 years agoSo, the wuff dragged me into MW2 a while back.
I dunno if anyone watching me plays as well or not but figure I'd post. My ID is Acamori3145 (it claimed my name was taken... still need to hunt that person down).
Anyways, add me or poke me or whatever if you want. I usually play with a bunch of friends I met on WoW (mostly domination with them... and we usually dominate :P ) but if they're not on or whatever I play alone.
I dunno if anyone watching me plays as well or not but figure I'd post. My ID is Acamori3145 (it claimed my name was taken... still need to hunt that person down).
Anyways, add me or poke me or whatever if you want. I usually play with a bunch of friends I met on WoW (mostly domination with them... and we usually dominate :P ) but if they're not on or whatever I play alone.
new compooter =^-^=
General | Posted 16 years agoSo, for christmas/b-day I got some monehs and decided it was time to upgrade the hardware.
Now I'm just waiting to get home where my package of guts should be waiting (got the case yesterday) to put it all together.
It really is about time too, I ordered the parts for my current/old machine in March of 05 and only added minor upgrades since (i.e. more hard drives, ram) so it really is due.
For those curious:
Old Machine:
AMD Athalon 64, 2.0GHz, Single-Core
ABIT AX8 MoBo w/ 1x PCI-e 16x, Gigabit LAN, etc.
NVidia 9600 GTX
~3GB RAM (can't remember)
2x 120mm Case Fans
2X 80mm Case Fans
New Machine:
AMD PhenomII X4, 3.0GHz, Quad-Core
ASUS M4N72-E MoBo w/ 2x PCIe 2.0 16x, 6 3Gb/s SATA, 6+6 USB
NVidia GTX 260 896MB/448-bit
4GB RAM (2x 2GB sticks)
2x 230mm Case Fans (1 that glows red)
1x 200mm Case Fan
6X 120mm Case Fans (5 that glow red)
And a HUGE CoolerMaster Case
I'm using my more recently replaced PSU (750w), my old hard drives (4x 150GB SATA, 1x 120GB PATA), and my 16X DVD-R drive. Would have a second CD drive but I'd rather have the HDD since I've only one PATA on this MoBo.
Eventually I plan to double the RAM (at least), get a second GTX 260 for SLI, and probably a second PSU to avoid getting a 1200w one to run this thing, yeah.. my case is built for two PSU's :P
Now I'm just waiting to get home where my package of guts should be waiting (got the case yesterday) to put it all together.
It really is about time too, I ordered the parts for my current/old machine in March of 05 and only added minor upgrades since (i.e. more hard drives, ram) so it really is due.
For those curious:
Old Machine:
AMD Athalon 64, 2.0GHz, Single-Core
ABIT AX8 MoBo w/ 1x PCI-e 16x, Gigabit LAN, etc.
NVidia 9600 GTX
~3GB RAM (can't remember)
2x 120mm Case Fans
2X 80mm Case Fans
New Machine:
AMD PhenomII X4, 3.0GHz, Quad-Core
ASUS M4N72-E MoBo w/ 2x PCIe 2.0 16x, 6 3Gb/s SATA, 6+6 USB
NVidia GTX 260 896MB/448-bit
4GB RAM (2x 2GB sticks)
2x 230mm Case Fans (1 that glows red)
1x 200mm Case Fan
6X 120mm Case Fans (5 that glow red)
And a HUGE CoolerMaster Case
I'm using my more recently replaced PSU (750w), my old hard drives (4x 150GB SATA, 1x 120GB PATA), and my 16X DVD-R drive. Would have a second CD drive but I'd rather have the HDD since I've only one PATA on this MoBo.
Eventually I plan to double the RAM (at least), get a second GTX 260 for SLI, and probably a second PSU to avoid getting a 1200w one to run this thing, yeah.. my case is built for two PSU's :P
FC financial screw up
General | Posted 16 years agoFor those of you with reservations at the Fairmont for the upcoming FC, go check your accounts.
There's been a 'glitch' in Fairmont's system, causing them to bill several attendees for their full stay instead of the one-night hold fee they were supposed to.
Imagine my surprise when I hop on my account to see a $600 charge instead of $140.
If you did get charged like this, you can call 408-998-3922. They're supposed to fix it right away for you, but apparently some of the people aren't getting that memo. A very nice and apologetic lady named Dianne took care of me immediately and said they'd take care of any Overdraft fees that were a direct result of this 'glitch'.
There's been a 'glitch' in Fairmont's system, causing them to bill several attendees for their full stay instead of the one-night hold fee they were supposed to.
Imagine my surprise when I hop on my account to see a $600 charge instead of $140.
If you did get charged like this, you can call 408-998-3922. They're supposed to fix it right away for you, but apparently some of the people aren't getting that memo. A very nice and apologetic lady named Dianne took care of me immediately and said they'd take care of any Overdraft fees that were a direct result of this 'glitch'.
On Marriage (a lesson in history)
General | Posted 16 years agoPrompted by more recent arguing about state laws and how passing state-wide anti-discrimination laws to protect gays could magically lead to "the destruction of traditional marriage", I decided to take a look at some of the history of marriage.
*WARNING* It's not exciting or particularly compelling, just a mild historical rant. You can leave now if you're not interested :P
It would seem, from limited reading so far, that up until the mid 16th century the church(es) had absolutely nothing to do with any form of marriage. Most were matters of convenience or political gain.
Early Greeks and Romans had no formal laws or recognitions of marriage or divorce, such things were left entirely to the families involved.
Come mid 16th century in Europe, the church started to get involved. Originally they just registered marriages but that wasn't even required. Shortly after the Roman Catholic church decided to really get involved and decreed that marriages weren't real unless the church said so.
It wasn't until about 200 years later that the Church of England (or rather, a specific Lord) followed a similar suit, requiring a church officiated ceremony for a marriage, 100 years later that requirement got dropped and the state recognized civil ceremonies as well as religious ones.
Our laws are basically extensions of those in Europe at the time of our departure.
What all this tells me is that the church, and even love, basically has had no true bearing on marriage for most of human history to date. The religious fervor over 'traditional' vs. same-sex marriage is founded entirely upon the fact that the Catholic church (a body known for strict control of its congregation) decided IT wouldn't recognize a Catholic marriage without a church ceremony, and the fact that a single English lord decreed that the church be party to marriages.
Prior to that, marriages were matters of money and prestige, forming alliances. The fact that almost all marriages were between a man and a woman stemmed solely from the fact that a child is a direct link to both families and thus a stronger political tie than anything else.
The so called 'traditional marriage' is utter rubbish. Its origins are in greed and self-protection, not love and gospel. Our current marriage laws have ALREADY obliterated the 'traditional' marriage.
*WARNING* It's not exciting or particularly compelling, just a mild historical rant. You can leave now if you're not interested :P
It would seem, from limited reading so far, that up until the mid 16th century the church(es) had absolutely nothing to do with any form of marriage. Most were matters of convenience or political gain.
Early Greeks and Romans had no formal laws or recognitions of marriage or divorce, such things were left entirely to the families involved.
Come mid 16th century in Europe, the church started to get involved. Originally they just registered marriages but that wasn't even required. Shortly after the Roman Catholic church decided to really get involved and decreed that marriages weren't real unless the church said so.
It wasn't until about 200 years later that the Church of England (or rather, a specific Lord) followed a similar suit, requiring a church officiated ceremony for a marriage, 100 years later that requirement got dropped and the state recognized civil ceremonies as well as religious ones.
Our laws are basically extensions of those in Europe at the time of our departure.
What all this tells me is that the church, and even love, basically has had no true bearing on marriage for most of human history to date. The religious fervor over 'traditional' vs. same-sex marriage is founded entirely upon the fact that the Catholic church (a body known for strict control of its congregation) decided IT wouldn't recognize a Catholic marriage without a church ceremony, and the fact that a single English lord decreed that the church be party to marriages.
Prior to that, marriages were matters of money and prestige, forming alliances. The fact that almost all marriages were between a man and a woman stemmed solely from the fact that a child is a direct link to both families and thus a stronger political tie than anything else.
The so called 'traditional marriage' is utter rubbish. Its origins are in greed and self-protection, not love and gospel. Our current marriage laws have ALREADY obliterated the 'traditional' marriage.
Kitten adventures
General | Posted 16 years agoSo, yesterday after work I finally got Briar to the vet's for her check up and first vaccine shot.
Got there and let her down on the counter where she stayed right against me while I filled everything out. In the exam room she was just as nervous while we waited. Vet came in and did her thing, which kinda freaked the little girl out but she behaved well. Was pronounced healthy except for some probable worms (which the vet said is very common in young kittens), she was given a little dewormer and will get a full round of it on her next visit in about a month.
She weighs 1.1 pounds :P
After we finished there we went over to Dark's mom's house because she's been dying to see little Briar. Turns out Briar's a little uneasy around other cats, she didn't care for Rascal (an old grey tabby that probably weighs closer to 15 pounds).
Then it was back home. On the way to the vet she was her usual curious self, roaming around the car (I had to stop her hopping down by my feet a few times). After that she curled up in the corner of the passenger floorboard. I think she was nervous I'd take her somewhere else like the Vet's. But as we got closer to home she seemed to relax.
I'm not sure if it's because of her adventures or just because she wanted to, but I woke this morning with her curled up right next to me on the bed.
Oh, and guess what.... SNOW! ^_^
*edit* Ya know, staring out my window at the heavy snowing (even if it's not sticking much yet) just makes me realize how fortunate it was that I picked Briar up when I did. A week longer and she'd be stranded out there in this cold and wet.
Got there and let her down on the counter where she stayed right against me while I filled everything out. In the exam room she was just as nervous while we waited. Vet came in and did her thing, which kinda freaked the little girl out but she behaved well. Was pronounced healthy except for some probable worms (which the vet said is very common in young kittens), she was given a little dewormer and will get a full round of it on her next visit in about a month.
She weighs 1.1 pounds :P
After we finished there we went over to Dark's mom's house because she's been dying to see little Briar. Turns out Briar's a little uneasy around other cats, she didn't care for Rascal (an old grey tabby that probably weighs closer to 15 pounds).
Then it was back home. On the way to the vet she was her usual curious self, roaming around the car (I had to stop her hopping down by my feet a few times). After that she curled up in the corner of the passenger floorboard. I think she was nervous I'd take her somewhere else like the Vet's. But as we got closer to home she seemed to relax.
I'm not sure if it's because of her adventures or just because she wanted to, but I woke this morning with her curled up right next to me on the bed.
Oh, and guess what.... SNOW! ^_^
*edit* Ya know, staring out my window at the heavy snowing (even if it's not sticking much yet) just makes me realize how fortunate it was that I picked Briar up when I did. A week longer and she'd be stranded out there in this cold and wet.
Fluff ball ^_^
General | Posted 16 years agoJust a bit of an update on the little fluff ball.
She seems to be adjusting to us quickly, purrs a LOT and just seems happy all around.
Last night was kinda touchy since we didn't have an actual litter box for her yet so she kinda used one of our fleece blankets >_>. Got one today for her on the way home and she's already using it.
She's still kinda paranoid of sudden movements and noises at times, but then most cats are, lol. She also seems to be fairly curious about her surroundings though she's a little hesitant to stray too far away from people most of the time.
Still eats a good bit, probably more than she really ought to so I've been only letting her have it for a little while at a time. Mostly because she's not getting a lot of exercise yet, though she did play with us and a shoelace for a while tonight.
Hopefully get her to the vet in the near future to get her all checked out. But she seems healthy so far.
She seems to be adjusting to us quickly, purrs a LOT and just seems happy all around.
Last night was kinda touchy since we didn't have an actual litter box for her yet so she kinda used one of our fleece blankets >_>. Got one today for her on the way home and she's already using it.
She's still kinda paranoid of sudden movements and noises at times, but then most cats are, lol. She also seems to be fairly curious about her surroundings though she's a little hesitant to stray too far away from people most of the time.
Still eats a good bit, probably more than she really ought to so I've been only letting her have it for a little while at a time. Mostly because she's not getting a lot of exercise yet, though she did play with us and a shoelace for a while tonight.
Hopefully get her to the vet in the near future to get her all checked out. But she seems healthy so far.
